What the Elderly Care Industry Can Learn from the Tech Industry

August 19, 2024

I worked in the tech industry as a Software Engineer and then a Software Engineering Manager for several years. Moving to the elderly care industry has opened my eyes to some of the things that this industry can adopt from the tech industry. The elderly care industry is at a critical juncture, grappling with the dual challenges of an aging population and the need for more personalized, efficient care solutions. As it seeks to adapt and evolve, there is much to be gained from examining the practices of the tech industry, known for its rapid innovation, user-centric designs, and data-driven strategies. Here’s how the elderly care sector can harness lessons from the tech world to improve its services and outcomes.

1. Embrace Technological Innovation

The tech industry thrives on continuous innovation, constantly pushing boundaries to deliver smarter, more effective solutions. Elderly care can benefit from adopting a similar mindset. Integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can revolutionize how care is delivered. For instance, AI can assist in predicting health issues before they become critical, while IoT devices can enable real-time monitoring of vital signs, enhancing the ability to provide timely interventions.

2. Focus on User Experience

Tech companies prioritize user experience (UX) to ensure their products are intuitive and accessible. This principle is equally crucial in elderly care. Many older adults may struggle with complex interfaces or devices. By designing user-friendly technology, such as simplified health monitoring systems or voice-activated assistants, the elderly can interact with these tools more easily, leading to better engagement and adherence to care plans.

3. Leverage Data for Personalization

Personalization is a hallmark of the tech industry, where data is used to tailor products and services to individual needs. Similarly, the elderly care sector can use data analytics to provide more personalized care. By analyzing data from health records, wearable devices, and even social interactions, caregivers can gain insights into an individual’s preferences, needs, and health patterns. This approach allows for customized care plans that address specific requirements and improve overall quality of life.

4. Promote Remote Care Solutions

The tech industry has made significant strides in remote communication and collaboration tools. In elderly care, remote solutions can be transformative, particularly for individuals who may be isolated or have mobility issues. Telehealth services, remote monitoring, and virtual consultations can bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, offering convenient and efficient care options. This not only helps in managing chronic conditions but also reduces the need for frequent hospital visits.

5. Enhance Training and Support

Tech companies often invest heavily in training and support to ensure their products are used effectively. The elderly care sector should adopt a similar approach by providing comprehensive training for caregivers and staff on new technologies and systems. After speaking with dozens of caregivers and other home care owners, I have found that most caregivers are still not well-versed at using newer technologies, like a phone app, to do sign-in/out and care documentation. This is a large gap in efficiency due to a lack of caregiver training in newer technologies that can make everyone’s job a little easier.

Ongoing support and education can empower caregivers to utilize tools effectively, leading to improved care delivery and better outcomes for the elderly.

6. Foster Collaboration and Ecosystems

In tech, collaboration is key, with companies often partnering to create integrated ecosystems. The elderly care industry can benefit from fostering similar collaborations between technology providers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers. By working together, these stakeholders can develop integrated solutions that address multiple aspects of elderly care, from health monitoring to social engagement, creating a more cohesive and effective care environment.

7. Address Privacy and Security Concerns

As tech companies handle vast amounts of sensitive data, they invest heavily in security measures. In elderly care, protecting patient data is paramount. The industry should adopt robust data protection practices, ensuring that personal health information is safeguarded against breaches. Implementing strong security protocols not only complies with regulations but also builds trust with patients and their families.

8. Encourage Innovation and Feedback

Tech companies often foster a culture of innovation and actively seek user feedback to drive improvements. Similarly, the elderly care sector should encourage innovation from within and solicit feedback from both patients and caregivers. This approach can lead to the development of new solutions that better meet the needs of the elderly and improve the overall care experience.

The elderly care industry stands to gain significantly from the tech industry's emphasis on innovation, user experience, data-driven personalization, and security. By adopting these practices, the sector can enhance the quality of care, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately provide a better quality of life for the elderly. As technology continues to advance, embracing these lessons will be key to creating a more effective and responsive elderly care system.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

May 20, 2024

While attending Mass yesterday, the elderly lady in front of us lost consciousness. Luckily, she was kneeling at the time so she didn’t fall on the floor and simply leaned towards her husband. The husband was calling her name and tried to wake her up. I noticed what was happening and my first instinct was to get help from my mother who was sitting all the way at the other end of our pew. She’s a retired nurse with decades of experience with the elderly and the sick, having worked at a long-term care facility in New York City. She rushed over to help care for the lady, while my husband tried to get the lady in a better position so as not to fall further, and I grabbed my phone to call 911. Thankfully, the lady gained consciousness after a minute or so, and the Emergency Medical Services came to assess her and bring her to the hospital. But this incident made me realize one thing: even though I'm an adult now with 3 kids, I still look towards my mother for help in cases like this. This wasn’t the first time that someone fainted in our vicinity at church.

Heroes are Not Always Calm and Confident

The truth is that I don’t normally seek my mother when my children are sick or when they hurt themselves. Primarily because she panics, her blood pressure rises, and she always looks close to tears when she sees any family member hurt, especially her grandchildren. Somehow, if it’s a stranger who needs help, she acts calmly and knows exactly what to do. It probably makes sense to be more affected by seeing a family member hurt, thereby clouding one’s judgment. The husband of the elderly lady was a good example as he was in shock and mostly in a panic trying to wake her.

I also realized that I felt a little guilty that I couldn’t provide more assistance. The lady was directly in front of me after all, and all I did was ask my mother for help and then call 911 for more help.

Heroes Help other Heroes

This incident made me wonder how many of us become so distraught seeing a loved one hurt or in a medical emergency that our judgment is clouded and we fail to give them the help that they need? How many of us fail to ask for help? And how many of us feel guilty about asking for help? These are all not uncommon, and in fact natural. But if we want to help our loved ones and do something truly heroic, there are 3 main things we can do:

1. Recognize when you need help.

2. Seek and accept the help of others.

3. Release the guilt of seeking help for your loved one. 

These also apply for when your loved one needs a caregiver. It is important to recognize the signs that you need support – read my blog “5 Signs It’s Time to Use a Home Care Provider”. When you assess that you need some assistance, seek for a trustworthy home care service. Do your due diligence finding the help that you need. And lastly, release the guilt of needing to ask for support because you are only trying to do what’s best for everyone. 

We don’t all have to be the hero that we think we need to be. Sometimes we simply need to be the hero that someone needs at that moment in time.

The “Sandwich Generation”

May 13, 2024

What is the “Sandwich Generation”?

The “Sandwich Generation” does not refer to the generation that loves sandwiches. It refers to the group of people, usually in their 40s and 50s, who are responsible for caring for their elderly parents and their own young children. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2022 about 23% of U.S. adults are in this group, sandwiched between the older and younger generations. These multigenerational caregivers are facing struggles that affect not just their own lives and well-being, but also the economy as a whole.

What are the struggles of this generation?

• Financial difficulties

The Sandwich Generation may need to provide financial assistance to their aging parents while still financially supporting their children under 18. They are twice as likely to be struggling financially (36% vs 17%) compared with adults who only care for their own parents. More of them have to leave the workforce because of the added pressure of being caregivers to their parents and young children (72% are employed vs 78% employed parents not caring for an elderly parent). In addition to this, they still have the added stress of saving for their own retirement as they see the financial struggles of their own parents.

• Less Sleep and More Stress

Studies show that these multigenerational caregivers are getting less sleep (at least a half hour less) and often develop chronic stress which can lead to other health issues. The great demands of caring for an elderly parent and young children at the same time can take a toll on their physical well-being.

• Balancing Mental Health

The Sandwich Generation may struggle with family discord as they grapple with making decisions with which other family members do not agree. A common cause of family rift is when adult children have different ideas on how to care for their parents. These multigenerational caregivers may also feel guilty about not having enough time to care for their own parents and their young children at the same time. They may feel anger and resentment about being in this tough situation. These are all normal and valid feelings for someone in such a demanding predicament.

How can we alleviate these struggles?

• Reduce financial difficulties

It is important to discuss finances with parents, children, and siblings. First of all, understand the resources available to support the elderly parent. They may have personal savings, pension, and/or retirement funds. Look into any government support that they are qualified to get. Have a conversation with siblings and other family members about assisting with financial support to care for the elderly parent. For children who are old enough to understand, talk to them about financial responsibility and the value of money.

• Seek help

People in the Sandwich Generation may not always seek the help that they need. Again, it is crucial to speak with siblings and other family members about sharing the load of caregiving. If finances allow, they may also seek to pay for respite care to alleviate the burden of being the primary caregiver.

Joining a support group or seeking help from a counselor are other options to take. Leverage the support from friends and neighbors who are willing to lend a hand. It is not a sign of weakness to accept help from others. If anything, we are stronger when we help one another.

• Manage Stress

There are many ways to manage stress including exercising, writing in a journal, taking a stroll, engaging in a hobby. One might ask: when would I have time to do that? This is why it’s important to invest some time to get (and stay) organized, as well as to seek help, as mentioned above. It is almost impossible to care for multiple people when one self is not well enough, so caring for yourself should be a priority. 

The Sandwich Generation faces many challenges as they care for both their aging parents and young children. As the human life expectancy increases and young adults struggle to leave the nest, the percentage of people falling in this generation will get larger. It is therefore critical to understand their struggles and how to mitigate them.

Sources:

• https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sandwichgeneration.asp

• https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/04/08/more-than-half-of-americans-in-their-40s-are-sandwiched-between-an-aging-parent-and-their-own-children/

• https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/11/29/more-than-one-in-ten-u-s-parents-are-also-caring-for-an-adult/

• https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/news/archive/202212/%E2%80%9Csandwich-generation%E2%80%9D-study-shows-challenges-caring-both-kids-aging-parents

• https://mhanational.org/caregiving-and-sandwich-generation

Ways to Pay for In-Home Care

About 10,000 adults will turn 65 every day until the year 2030 in the U.S. and 7 out of 10 of these people will need long term care. Many of the elderly prefer to hire in-home caregivers so they can stay in their home for as long as possible. This allows them to be in familiar surroundings and gives them a little bit more independence while still getting the care that they need. The median cost of home health aide service in New Jersey is $34 (this varies based on location and type of services). 24/7 care can cost around $5,712 per week, or $24,820 per month. This is a considerable cost for people who have little or no income coming in during their golden years. It is important to explore the ways to pay for in-home care so you can help yourself or your loved one be more prepared. 

Personal Savings

Over 60% of home care services are paid from personal funds. This can be from:

• retirement income

• personal savings

• 401k plan

• pensions

• proceeds from selling a home

• proceeds from selling stocks or bonds

Pooled funds from family members

If personal funds are limited, the children or family members may decide to pool together their resources to help pay for home care. It is important for these family members to sit down and have a conversation about how much each one will be contributing, who will be collecting the funds, and how often to send the money. This will help set everyone’s expectations and avoid miscommunications.

Long-term care insurance

Some people have purchased long-term care insurance policies in advance that can help pay for home care. The current landscape for long-term care insurance has changed considerably in the last few decades. Many of these policies have gotten too expensive and the offerings have changed. If you or your loved one has this, make sure you fully understand what it covers and for how long. 

Medicaid

Medicaid may cover in-home care services for low-income seniors. This may be offered through three different forms: 

• Your state’s regular Medicaid program (classic/original Medicaid) - Every state offers this in one form or another; individuals need to meet eligibility requirements; no waiting lists.

• Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers (Section 1915(c) Waivers) - Each state has different eligibility requirements; qualifying doesn’t mean automatic receipt of benefits; there’s usually a waiting list.

• Section 1115 Research and Demonstration Waivers - states use this to expand Medicaid coverage; may have a waiting list

Since different states have different eligibility requirements and different coverages, it is necessary to understand your own state’s offerings.

Veterans Affairs

Veterans and their surviving spouses can get benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that may pay for in-home care. Eligibility requirements include, but is not limited to the following:

• Be a veteran or spouse of a veteran

• Have a non-service related disability

• Be enrolled in VA health care

• Is unable to perform at least two activities of daily living

• Have served ninety consecutive days active duty, with at least one day during wartime

• Hold an Honorable Discharge status

• Live in an area where the program is available

Personal funds, family members chipping in, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs are just some of the ways that individuals can pay for their in-home care. If you have the benefit of time, it would be wise to consider these options and plan ahead for yourself or your loved one.

Sources:

• https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/12/by-2030-all-baby-boomers-will-be-age-65-or-older.html

• https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care

• https://www.unbiased.com/discover/banking/cost-of-home-healthcare

• https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2021/understanding-long-term-care-insurance.html

• https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/in-home-care/

• https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/pay-for-home-care

5 Signs It’s Time to Use a Home Care Provider

It’s stressful to witness the decline of your loved one’s autonomy. Sometimes, we may be in denial about whether it’s time to get them a part-time or full-time caregiver. How do you know when that time has come? Here are 5 signs to help you decide, and the questions to ask yourself:

Personal Care:

• Are they taking care of themselves?

• Are they bathing, brushing their teeth, and changing their outfits regularly?

• Are they eating properly and nutritiously?

• Are they taking their medications on time?

Home Cleanliness and Safety

• Are they able to keep up with laundry?

• Are they able to keep their home clean?

• Are they able to keep their home safe – no trip hazards or uncontrolled pests?

Mental Health

• Are they keeping their social connections active?

• Are you seeing signs of loneliness or depression?

• Are they able to enjoy their regular activities?

• Any negative changes to their personality?

Physical Abilities

• Are they able to navigate around the home safely?

• Any recent falls or multiple times nearly tripping?

• Any unexplained injuries?

• Can they still do food shopping, go to their doctor’s appointments, or do the things they used to enjoy?

Quality of Life

• Is caring for them overwhelming you?

• Do you feel like you can’t keep up with caring for your loved one?

• Are you always feeling angry?

• Are you unable to enjoy your own life because you’re caring for them?

• Do you feel guilty about asking for help?

If you are seeing a decline in any of these aspects, then it’s time to get some help.  Asking for help can be difficult but it’s the best thing you can do for your loved one and yourself.